The word 'communism' disappeared from the first sentence of the censored version of the speechPhoto: REUTERS

By Richard Spencer in Beijing

6:18AM GMT 21 Jan 2009

Even as the speech was being broadcast, his reference to the defeat of "fascism and communism" seemed too much for the state's central broadcaster, CCTV.

It cut away to a flustered presenter, who quickly and nervously had to come up with a question for an unprepared commentator.

Some, but not all, of the major news websites quickly followed suit, posting the full transcript of the speech but with offending words removed.

President Obama was vague in his references to America's future dealings with countries and peoples who do not share "American values", or democratic political principles.

But he did say: "Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions."

He went on to add, some lines later: "To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."

While it is not clear whether Mr Obama meant to refer to China at all, rather than "rogue regimes" such as Zimbabwe and Burma, censors employed by Sina.com, China's biggest news portal, and other websites were taking no chances.

"Communism" disappeared from the first sentence, along with the whole of the second sentence.

In a sign of how censorship in China is now devolved and tailored to an audience, China Daily, the English-language official newspaper which would be aware that most readers would have access to the original, not only left the words in its online transcript but even included them in the front-page story on the speech in its print edition.